Chapter 8: Problem 18
Use the formula \(A=\frac{1}{2} a P\) to find the area of the regular polygon described. Find the area of a regular pentagon with an apothem of length \(a=6.5\) in. and each side of length \(s=9.4\) in.
Short Answer
Expert verified
The area is 152.75 square inches.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Formula and Parameters
The formula for the area of a regular polygon is given by \(A = \frac{1}{2} a P\), where \(A\) is the area, \(a\) is the apothem, and \(P\) is the perimeter of the polygon. We need to find the area using the apothem length \(a = 6.5\) inches and the side length \(s = 9.4\) inches.
02
Calculate the Perimeter
Since the polygon is a regular pentagon, it has 5 equal sides. The perimeter \(P\) can be calculated by multiplying the length of one side \(s\) by the number of sides \(n = 5\). Therefore, \(P = 5 \times 9.4 = 47\) inches.
03
Substitute in the Area Formula
Now that we know both the apothem \(a\) and the perimeter \(P\), we can substitute these into the area formula: \(A = \frac{1}{2} \times 6.5 \times 47\).
04
Calculate the Area
Perform the multiplication in the area formula: First, calculate the product inside, \(6.5 \times 47 = 305.5\). Then, multiply by \(\frac{1}{2}\), so \(A = \frac{1}{2} \times 305.5 = 152.75\).
05
State the Final Result
The area of the regular pentagon is 152.75 square inches.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Regular Polygon
A regular polygon is a multi-sided, closed shape where all sides are of equal length, and all interior angles are equal. This symmetry in a regular polygon ensures that it can be inscribed within a circle. Some common examples include regular triangles, squares, and pentagons.
- All sides are congruent (the same length).
- All interior angles are equal.
- Each vertex lies on the circumference of a circle that encloses the polygon.
Area Calculation
Finding the area of a regular polygon involves using specific formulas because of its symmetry. The formula used in the exercise, \(A = \frac{1}{2} a P\), is particularly useful:
- \(A\) stands for the area of the polygon.
- \(a\) is the apothem, the line from the center to the midpoint of one of the sides.
- \(P\) is the perimeter which is the total length around the polygon.
Pentagon
A pentagon is a five-sided polygon, and a regular pentagon means each side and angle is equal. This regularity allows us to fit the pentagon into easy calculations, just like in the provided exercise.
- Five sides, each of equal length.
- Five angles, each measuring 108 degrees.
- A regular pentagon can be divided into five equal isosceles triangles.
Apothem
The apothem of a regular polygon is a line from the center of the polygon perpendicular to one of its sides. It has a crucial role in area calculation.
- Serves as the height of the isosceles triangles formed when dividing the polygon.
- It is always perpendicular to the center of the side it meets.
- Key in transforming a polygon into simpler, calculable elements like triangles.